Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down for Elmhurst

Cheryl Cummings, whose son died of a heroin overdose, had 100 tombstones in her Elmhurst front yard last week, representing the 100 drug overdose deaths each day in the U.S.

THUMBS UP: A mother from Elmhurst is turning personal tragedy into an opportunity to educate others about the threat of overdosing on drugs. Last week, Cheryl Cummings placed 100 tombstones in her front yard to draw attention to the 100 drug overdose deaths every day in the U.S. In 2012, her son died from a heroin overdose. "I don't want other people to go through what I'm going through," she said. We admire her courage.

THUMBS UP: Congratulations to Joan Knippen of Elmhurst, who recently received the Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Area Promise of One award. Knippen was recognized for her volunteer work as the education/mission chairwoman for the Chicago Race for the Cure as well as chairwoman for the Lombard Race for the Cure.

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